Research

19 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Geographical and Temporal Risk Evaluation Method for Red-Light Violations by Pedestrians at Signalized Intersections: Analysis and Results of Suzhou, China

by Jiping Xing, Qi Zhang, Qixiu Cheng and Zhenshan Zu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14420; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114420 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1280

Abstract

Red-light violations of pedestrians crossing at signal intersections is one of the key factors in pedestrian traffic accidents. Even though there are various studies on pedestrian behavior and pedestrian traffic conflicts, few focus on the risk of different crosswalks for the violating pedestrian [...] Read more.

Red-light violations of pedestrians crossing at signal intersections is one of the key factors in pedestrian traffic accidents. Even though there are various studies on pedestrian behavior and pedestrian traffic conflicts, few focus on the risk of different crosswalks for the violating pedestrian group. Due to the spatio-temporal nature of violation risk, this study proposes a geographical and temporal risk evaluation method for pedestrian red-light violations, which combines actual survey and video acquisition. First, in the geographical-based risk evaluation, the pedestrian violation rate at signal intersections is investigated by Pearson correlation analysis to extract the significant influencing factors from traffic conditions, built environment, and crosswalk facilities. Second, in the temporal-based risk evaluation, the survival analysis method is developed to quantify the risk of pedestrian violation in different scenarios as time passes by. Finally, this study selects 16 typical signalized intersections in Suzhou, China, with 881 pedestrian crosswalk violations from a total size of 4586 pedestrians as survey cases. Results indicate that crossing distance, traffic volume on the crosswalk, red-light time, and crosswalk-type variables all contribute to the effect of pedestrian violation from a geographical perspective, and the installation of waiting refuge islands has the most significant impact. From the temporal perspective, the increases in red-light time, number of lanes, and traffic volume have a mitigating effect on the violations with pedestrian waiting time increases. This study aims to provide a development-oriented path by proposing an analytical framework that reconsiders geographical and temporal risk factors of violation. The findings could help transport planners understand the effect of pedestrian violation-related traffic risk and develop operational measures and crosswalk design schemes for controlling pedestrian violations occurring in local communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

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13 pages, 1437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Novelty Appraisal of the Feeling of Risk in Vehicles

by Meng Zhang, Meike Jipp and Klas Ihme

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114259 - 01 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1070

Abstract

Nowadays, vehicle assistance systems may assess the risks of the traffic situation with the help of advanced sensor technology and optimized algorithms. However, the passengers’ feelings of risk in the vehicle have been mostly neglected. According to the Component Process Model of emotions, [...] Read more.

Nowadays, vehicle assistance systems may assess the risks of the traffic situation with the help of advanced sensor technology and optimized algorithms. However, the passengers’ feelings of risk in the vehicle have been mostly neglected. According to the Component Process Model of emotions, during the feeling of risk, novelty is one of the relevant event appraisals leading to particular physiological and facial responses. In order to identify whether or not indicators for novelty appraisal may be used for detecting the feeling of risk of vehicle occupants, we investigated physiological responses and facial expressions of individuals experiencing the feeling of risk with different levels of novelty. This secondary analysis of an earlier simulator study revealed that pupil diameter amplitude, skin conductance level changes, and changes in and amplitude of activity in facial expressions (the inner and outer brow raiser, brow lowerer, upper lid raiser and lid tightener) were correlated with the reduction in the novelty, suggesting that they could indicate the novelty of the feeling of risk of vehicle occupants. Hence, this research provides evidence for the novelty appraisal of the feeling of risk. Furthermore, it informs research on affect-aware systems to identify and reduce the feeling of risk of vehicle occupants in order to help to keep trust in automated vehicles high. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

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9 pages, 348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in the Amount and Patterns of Car-Driving Exposure in Spain, 2014 to 2017: An Application of a Quasi-Induced Exposure Approach

by José Mateos-Granados, Luis Miguel Martín-delosReyes, Mario Rivera-Izquierdo, Eladio Jiménez-Mejías, Virginia Martínez-Ruiz and Pablo Lardelli-Claret

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413255 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2159

Abstract

We designed a cross-sectional study in Spain, from 2014 to 2017. Our objective was to assess sex-related differences in the amount of driving exposure of car drivers, overall and stratified by the main environment-related driving conditions. We compared the sex distribution across three [...] Read more.

We designed a cross-sectional study in Spain, from 2014 to 2017. Our objective was to assess sex-related differences in the amount of driving exposure of car drivers, overall and stratified by the main environment-related driving conditions. We compared the sex distribution across three populations: (1) total number of person-years aged > 18 years; (2) total number of person-years aged > 18 years holding a valid car-driving license; and (3) total number of non-responsible car drivers involved in crashes with another offending driver, stratified by different environmental variables. The quasi-induced exposure approach was applied: the non-responsible drivers were considered as representative of the entire population of drivers on the road at the place and time at which the crash occurred. We calculated the female-to-male odds ratio (OR) by comparing population 2 versus 1, and population 3 versus 2. Finally, we performed separate regression models in population 3 for each environment-related variable as the dependent variable and driver’s age and sex as the independent variables. The female-to-male OR for the first comparison was 1.12, but values below 1 were found for extreme age groups. In the second comparison, an OR of 0.50 (0.49–0.51) was found, with progressively lower OR values as age increased. In population 3, women were found to drive less than men in environments known to be high risk (i.e., open roads, night-time, poor light conditions, and weekends). A significant gender gap exists in the amount and type of driving exposure. Although women obtain a driving license more frequently than men, they drive much less and tend to avoid high-risk environments. These results emphasize the need to incorporate a gender perspective in the development and implementation of road safety interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

18 pages, 3052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Road Safety-Based Selection Methodology for Professional Drivers: Behaviour and Accident Rate Analysis

by Jurijus Zaranka, Robertas Pečeliūnas and Vidas Žuraulis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312487 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the factors affecting the behaviour of road users and the impact of these factors on professional drivers’ reliability and performance. A professional driver is considered as a driver involved in the processes of driving a vehicle as a [...] Read more.

In this paper, we examine the factors affecting the behaviour of road users and the impact of these factors on professional drivers’ reliability and performance. A professional driver is considered as a driver involved in the processes of driving a vehicle as a matter of his/her business or the transportation of passengers or goods by bus or lorry, with higher liability in terms of road safety and requiring a higher degree of maintained attentiveness, constant concentration, and working capacity. This article highlights the process of selecting a professional driver by focusing on the driver’s individual and psychophysiological characteristics. An anonymous survey on professional drivers and a statistical analysis of the accidents caused by professional drivers was used to research the impact of fatigue on the behaviour of road users. The conducted statistical analysis demonstrates that the amount of professional driving experience most conducive to driving a vehicle safely was observed at between 29 and 33 years of experience. It was also found that a higher probability of causing an accident after rest days is related to the driver’s long period of engagement at work and inadequate rest. This study demonstrates that specific requirements should be applied to the methodologies for selecting professional drivers, the research on the reliability of which aims to develop a concept that enables opting for those drivers able to properly perform hired work, causing minimal losses due to road accidents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

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22 pages, 3558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Mobile Phone Use on Driving Performance: An Experimental Study of Workload and Traffic Violations

by Carlos A. Catalina Ortega, Miguel A. Mariscal, Wafa Boulagouas, Sixto Herrera, Juan M. Espinosa and Susana García-Herrero

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7101; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137101 - 02 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4051

Abstract

The use of communication technologies, e.g., mobile phones, has increased dramatically in recent years, and their use among drivers has become a great risk to traffic safety. The present study assessed the workload and road ordinary violations, utilizing driving data collected from 39 [...] Read more.

The use of communication technologies, e.g., mobile phones, has increased dramatically in recent years, and their use among drivers has become a great risk to traffic safety. The present study assessed the workload and road ordinary violations, utilizing driving data collected from 39 young participants who underwent a dual-task while driving a simulator, i.e., respond to a call, text on WhatsApp, and check Instagram. Findings confirmed that there are significant differences in the driving performance of young drivers in terms of vehicle control (i.e., lateral distance and hard shoulder line violations) between distracted and non-distracted drivers. Furthermore, the overall workload score of young drivers increases with the use of their mobile phones while driving. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the driving performance of distracted young drivers and thus they could be useful for further improvements to traffic safety strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

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14 pages, 3126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Processes of a Transformation of Young Drivers’ Responsibility for Health—Carpe Diem

by Agnieszka Kulik, Natalia Kajka and Monika Dacka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073634 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Research most often deals with the relationship between risky behaviour on the road and other aspects of young adults’ lifestyle. It is rare that the sense of responsibility for one’s own life and health and for that of other people on the road [...] Read more.

Research most often deals with the relationship between risky behaviour on the road and other aspects of young adults’ lifestyle. It is rare that the sense of responsibility for one’s own life and health and for that of other people on the road is understood, due to the limitation of perceptual data. In this study, we researched 198 young adults (M = 19.75; SD = 1.11) using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, the Inventory of Health Behaviours, the Criteria of Health List and a student health survey. The chance of risky driving will increase by 50.7% among young adults as their understanding of health as a state increases. On the other hand, when young people feel that others are responsible for their lives, the likelihood of risky driving will drop by 6.4%. The hedonistic life orientation of a young adult had a significant impact on the results obtained which was connected with their understanding of health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

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14 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bicycle Rider Behavior and Crash Involvement in Australia

by Steve O’Hern, Nora Estgfaeller, Amanda N. Stephens and Sergio A. Useche

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052378 - 01 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

This research investigated how behaviours and attitudes of bicycle riders influence crash frequency and severity. The study recruited 1102 Australian bicycle riders for an online survey. The survey comprised questions on demographics, frequency of riding and the number and severity of traffic crashes [...] Read more.

This research investigated how behaviours and attitudes of bicycle riders influence crash frequency and severity. The study recruited 1102 Australian bicycle riders for an online survey. The survey comprised questions on demographics, frequency of riding and the number and severity of traffic crashes during the last five years. The survey included the Cycling Behaviour Questionnaire and the Cyclist Risk Perception and Regulation Scale. Overall, there were low levels of errors and violations reported by participants indicating that these behaviours were on average never or rarely exhibited while riding a bicycle. Conversely, participants reported high levels of engagement in positive behaviours and reported high levels of traffic rule knowledge and risk perception. Higher rates of violations and errors were associated with increased crash likelihood, while higher rates of positive behaviours were associated with reduced rates of crash involvement in a period of 5 years. The findings highlight the relationship between errors, total crashes and crash severity Further promotion of positive behaviours amongst riders may also help to reduce the risk of crashes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

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22 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socioeconomic Status, Health and Lifestyle Settings as Psychosocial Risk Factors for Road Crashes in Young People: Assessing the Colombian Case

by Andrea Serge, Johana Quiroz Montoya, Francisco Alonso and Luis Montoro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030886 - 20 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2669

Abstract

The social determinants of health influence both psychosocial risks and protective factors, especially in high-demanding contexts, such as the mobility of drivers and non-drivers. Recent evidence suggests that exploring socioeconomic status (SES), health and lifestyle-related factors might contribute to a better understanding of [...] Read more.

The social determinants of health influence both psychosocial risks and protective factors, especially in high-demanding contexts, such as the mobility of drivers and non-drivers. Recent evidence suggests that exploring socioeconomic status (SES), health and lifestyle-related factors might contribute to a better understanding of road traffic crashes (RTCs). Thus, the aim of this study was to construct indices for the assessment of crash rates and mobility patterns among young Colombians who live in the central region of the country. The specific objectives were developing SES, health and lifestyle indices, and assessing the self-reported RTCs and mobility features depending on these indices. A sample of 561 subjects participated in this cross-sectional study. Through a reduction approach of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), three indices were constructed. Mean and frequency differences were contrasted for the self-reported mobility, crash rates, age, and gender. As a result, SES, health and lifestyle indices explained between 56.3–67.9% of the total variance. Drivers and pedestrians who suffered crashes had higher SES. A healthier lifestyle is associated with cycling, but also with suffering more bike crashes; drivers and those reporting traffic crashes have shown greater psychosocial and lifestyle-related risk factors. Regarding gender differences, men are more likely to engage in road activities, as well as to suffer more RTCs. On the other hand, women present lower healthy lifestyle-related indices and a less active implication in mobility. Protective factors such as a high SES and a healthier lifestyle are associated with RTCs suffered by young Colombian road users. Given the differences found in this regard, a gender perspective for understanding RTCs and mobility is highly suggestible, considering that socio-economic gaps seem to differentially affect mobility and crash-related patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Risk Factors for Road Safety)

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